10 Teams Expected to Make a Splash at MLB Trade Deadline

10 Teams Expected to Make a Splash at MLB Trade Deadline

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The 2014 MLB trade deadline will come to an end today at 3 p.m. CT. That means teams in the American League and National league are frantically searching for one pitcher or bat that will give them an edge as they push their way towards the postseason. Here’s a look at 10 buyers expected to make a splash at the deadline.

10. Oakland Athletics

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10. Oakland Athletics

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The Oakland Athletics have the best record in baseball. Naturally, they are expected to make another move to ensure that they have the best team possible to reach the World Series. The Athletics have been linked to Jon Lester, but unfortunately, the July 4 trade for Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel has left them without much to offer. Regardless, Oakland is expected to do something at the deadline.

9. Pittsburgh Pirates

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9. Pittsburgh Pirates

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The Pittsburgh Pirates are in a tight division race with the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals. Like most teams on this list, the Pirates have been mentioned in rumors with Lester. Whether that’s true or not is somewhat irrelevant. What really matters is that Pittsburgh plans to land a pitcher to help bolster the staff. The Pirates have been connected to Ian Kennedy and A.J. Burnett, although the latter seems unlikely.

8. Seattle Mariners

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8. Seattle Mariners

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It is somewhat surprising to see the Seattle Mariners on this list simply because they are 11 games back in the AL West standings. However, the fact that they are only three games behind for the Wild Card means they definitely plan on making a move at the deadline. What they’re really in the market for is a powerful bat that can help jumpstart the offense, particularly a first baseman or outfielder.

7. St. Louis Cardinals

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7. St. Louis Cardinals

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The Cardinals have been linked to Lester and David Price. Even though they acquired starter Justin Masterson in a trade with the Cleveland Indians yesterday, St. Louis is still interested in acquiring another arm to put in the rotation.

6. San Francisco Giants

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6. San Francisco Giants

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The San Francisco Giants have fallen three games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, which means they have no choice but to make some noise at the deadline. San Francisco needs a starting pitcher to bolster the depleted rotation. Injuries have hit the Giants where it hurts, but unfortunately, trading for a quality arm might not be possible due to the fact that they don’t have much to offer. They’re also looking for a second baseman.

5. Milwaukee Brewers

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5. Milwaukee Brewers

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The Brewers have remained in first place in the NL Central for the entire season. With that being said, the NL Central is also the most competitive division in the majors. If Milwaukee wants to keep pace and be crowned the division winner, they will need to add a pitcher or utility player at the deadline. The Brewers have been linked to Price and Lester, but at this point, anything will do.

4. New York Yankees

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4. New York Yankees

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The New York Yankees have made several moves already (Chase Headley, Brandon McCarthy, Chris Capuano). However, the fact that they’re still down in the standings means they must continue to make trades. Unfortunately, the Yankees have issues throughout the roster and don’t have enough quality prospects to make a significant deal. If anything, they must focus on acquiring another arm for the rotation.

3. Miami Marlins

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3. Miami Marlins

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It’s a bit surprising to see the Miami Marlins mentioned on this list, but the reality is they are in the hunt for some upgrades at the deadline. The Marlins believe that they have a legitimate shot at a Wild Card despite being four and a half games back. Therefore, they have called about Lester, but their real focus will most likely be on starters John Lackey, John Danks and Ian Kennedy.

2. Baltimore Orioles

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2. Baltimore Orioles

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It would be a shock if the Baltimore Orioles didn’t make at least one significant move at the deadline, especially since they’re in first place in the AL East. At this point, the biggest need for the Orioles is starting pitching, although they have also been focused on landing a catcher. Even though Baltimore probably won’t land a big-named starter, acquiring Kennedy or Danks would be huge.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

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1. Los Angeles Dodgers

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The Dodgers have been involved in nearly every trade rumor imaginable. Whether it’s trying to land a quality arm or bat, Los Angeles has been rumored to be in talks. GM Ned Colletti recently stated that the team is interested in acquiring pitching, which means Lester, Price or even Cole Hamels could be in play. He also stated he wouldn’t trade Matt Kemp, although nothing is set in stone.